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Tired of coming home to a dark house? Worried that you left the iron on? Want to make it appear as if someone is home? You can address these concerns by integrating smart plugs, outlets and switches into your home. You can turn electronics and appliances on and off from your smartphone and set a schedule for a regular routine.
Smart Plug vs Outlet vs Switch
Some companies market these as the same type of product, but there are differences. In this review, we’re defining these products to help you decipher their uses.
- Smart Plug: Plugs into your outlet
- Smart Outlet: Replaces your standard outlet
- Smart Switch: Replaces your standard light switch
Best Overall Smart Plug: WEMO Mini Review
Getting started with the WEMO Mini is easy. Download the WEMO app, plug it into the outlet, connect it to WiFi and begin controlling your lamps and small appliances.
It integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Nest Thermostat and IFTTT. If you pair it with a voice-enabled, built-in device, you can control these devices with verbal commands.
Its compact size allows you to use two smart plugs in the same outlet. You can set a schedule for your devices to turn off and on or set them to a sunrise or sunset schedule.
WEMO’s “away mode” turns lights on and off randomly to make it appear that you’re home.
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Learn More In Our In-Depth WEMO Review
Best Smart Plug For Cortana Integration: TP-Link Review
The TP-Link HS105 Smart Plug is one of few that works with Microsoft Cortana. All you have to do is download the Kasa app to begin using it.
You can schedule the smart plug to automatically switch on and off when you’re away. Or you could set a scene and control many devices with a single button. A scene allows you to issue a command and have one or more devices adjust to a setting. For example, you could say “Cortana, turn on morning,” and lights will turn on and the temperature will be adjusted.
It integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, Nest Thermostat and IFTTT. If you pair the smart plug with one of the voice built-in devices, you can control the plug with your voice.
The compact size lets you use two plugs in the same outlet and it has an “away mode” that automatically turns the lights on and off to make it look like someone’s home.
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Best Smart Plug For Alexa Integration: Amazon Review
If you love your Amazon Echo and want to integrate more devices, this Amazon smart plug can help. To get started, plug it in, open the Alexa app and start making commands with your voice.
It is compact, so it doesn’t cover more than one outlet. It features an “away mode” to randomly turn lights on and off while you’re gone.
You can set routines and schedules through the Alexa app, but if you want to integrate more than Amazon equipment with it, we suggest a different smart plug.
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Best Smart Plug For Apple Integration: iHome Review
If you love your Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, iPod and other Apple gear, you may find the iHome smart plug appealing. iHome integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Nest Thermostat and IFTTT.
You can create scenes and schedules to have your electronics turn on and off as you please. It is compact, so it doesn’t cover other outlets.
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Best Outdoor Smart Plug: Kasa Review
If you need a smart plug for your landscape lighting, swimming pool pump, holiday lights or other outdoor electronics, you may like this plug. You can set schedules and scenes through the Kasa app.
It has two sockets, and it is weather resistant. Imagine coming home after dark to your landscape lighting on illuminating the path to your front door for you.
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Best Smart Power Strip: Kasa Review
If you’d like to control many devices in one area at a time, a smart power strip may be more cost-effective. This Kasa power strip has 6 sockets and 3 USB ports for you to charge your devices. It monitors energy usage, so if you see that something is using more energy than you’d like, you can turn it off through the app.
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Best Smart Outlet: GE Review
If you’d prefer an outlet instead of a plug, this GE smart outlet is a good option. It is Z-wave compatible and requires a smart hub (our reviewers have selected the best mart hubs). It works with the following hubs: SmartThings, Wink, ADT Pulse, Trane, Vivint, Nexia, Honeywell, HomeSeer, Harmony Home Hub Extender, Vera, Connect and Iris. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa.
The outlet features 2 sockets: the top is a standard always-on grounded outlet, and the bottom is a grounded wireless Z-wave controlled outlet. You’ll want to double check your home’s wiring before purchasing this and ensure you have a neutral wire, which is required.
The installation is more complicated than a smart plug since it replaces your regular outlet, but it includes instructions. Once installed, you can begin controlling your lights or appliances.
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Best Smart Light Switch: WEMO Review
If you want a light switch to control your overhead lighting, this WEMO switch may work for you. You can control it through the WEMO app and set schedules and timers with it. Use “away mode” to have the lights turn on and off randomly when you’re away.
Before you purchase this, make sure your house has a neutral wire. This product works with any one-way connection light switch but is not compatible with 3-way. We’ve also linked a smart dimmer switch below in the pricing section.
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- Dimmer Option: $99.94
Full Light And Sound Control: Integrate With Smart Bulbs & Speakers
You may also be interested in our smart light bulbs comparison. You can use these in conjunction with your plugs, outlets, switches and smart speakers to fully automate your home.
